Child of the Fog

by Renaissance Muffins

Rating: everyone
Tags: Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Character
Length: 5981

Legend tells of a mysterious fog and its giving nature, but what happens when that fog comes around to Ponyville?

Legend tells of a mysterious fog and its giving nature, but what happens when that fog comes around to Ponyville? When Pinkie Pie encounters the one behind the fog, they demand that she teach what it is like to feel joy. Pinkie informs Twilight of this and together they're reminded what joy is. How the smallest spark can change a bad day to a good day. They also learn why the one behind the fog brings about good luck and why they ask about joy.

Published 2017-09-25 03:50:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-09-25 03:50:06 UTC

Morning 1

The day is young, bright, and beautiful. The clouds were sparse and Cloudsdale was biggest one in the sky despite its distance. A rooster crowed a signature call from the apple farm, rousing some ponies from their sleep. Other birds began to sing various tones and notes from the trees, greeting and meeting. Flocking about as a crowd to pick at seeds and berries.

Soon, a wafting smell of cake and cookies began to emanate from the local bakery. Its lovely scent drifted throughout Ponyville, a place that had seen its fair share of hardships and friendships throughout its long history. With that smell, rose a pony excited to meet the day with a grand smile and a number of different things to do. Planning parties, baking confectioneries, or babysitting the twins that Mrs Cake had had some time ago. Today, however, she would begin her morning with a walk through an empty field. Perhaps to enjoy the rays of sunlight that shined ever so brightly.

When she left the house, fog had covered the field she wanted to frequent. She wondered if she woke up early or if it had rained during the night. Even so, she went on with a canter to the field and at the edge of the fog she sat before wandering into it and prancing about before stopping and watching a butterfly flutter about and land on the head of a dandelion. She stared and admired its beauty, the way the patterns waved about like water on its wings. The large spots on the underside that took the shape of an eye staring back at her. It seemed like it could blink at any moment, until it appeared that it actually did. Pinkie thought it strange at first and thought it was weird. Then her mind wandered away and she began to think about visiting Twilight, so she ventured out of the fog rather merrily.

At one edge of Ponyville, sat a castle made of crystals that shone in a multitude of purple hues. Tall, grand doors stood atop of a short flight of stairs and behind them, a grand foyer that centralized all of the rooms and hallways. One such hallway, lead to a very specific room of a very important pony. Perhaps the most important one of all in Ponyville: Twilight Sparkle. She had gone through many trails in her life that could've meant the end of many things had they turned out the wrong way.

The purple pony arose from her slumber with a yawn and a stretch that took the cramp out from one limb. She thought aloud and in whispered voice, “Maybe I overslept a bit.” She continued on, hoping out of bed and going downstairs to the castle's kitchen a fixing up a breakfast. After preparing and plating her meal, she carried it into the library to fetch a book while she ate. What she would read today was an uncertainty, but the itch of a fairy tale gained way. In a moment, she pointed with her horn, plucked a thick book from a shelf and turned to its index. Fumbling through the list, she found one she couldn't recall seeing before. She was certain that she had read through the book once before. Perhaps she had missed it.

She whispered the name of the story in a hushed breath before taking a bite of her breakfast. Flipping to the page, she began to read the title before hearing the door to the library open up. Twilight looked up from the book's inked pages and saw one the pink figure of one her closest friends. Her pink, fluffy mane and tail, cheery smile, and blue eyes. It was a wonder how she was so much different than her family members who were much more... restrained in their personalities. However, restrained might not be the best choice of words as one of them had quite the temper.

Pinkie waved a cheerful hello and sat in a chair across from Twilight, then began to tell her about her little venture into the foggy field and the butterfly that she had come across. Twilight told Pinkie that she may have been imagining things. It's early and it can always take some time before the mind is properly awake. Pinkie agreed with her, letting out a short giggle before announcing her hunger and fleeing to the kitchen. Twilight looked back to her book and began to read the title once more: “Children of the Fog.” She hadn't heard of this one before and thus began reading the first of its words.

According to the legend, the Fog Children were responsible for the morning dew upon the grass, awakening the morning glories, and waking the birds to sing their early morning songs. They came and went with the fog. One day, a lowly farmer wandered into the fog and there he saw a dozen ghostly figures taking on the appearance of young ponies. He rubbed his eyes and they vanished.

The next morning, the farmer went through the field again. The fog was there once again, but this time, the children followed closely behind him. Their glowing white eyes made the farmer scared of them, but he braved the stares of the ghosts. When he got to the other side of the fog, the children stopped following him.

On the third morning, the farmer walked through the fog yet again. This time he was unafraid, knowing the children of the fog meant no harm to him. At the end of the fog, he turned and saw how many there were in the fog. A hundred, perhaps more. It was hard to tell. This farmer had a talent other than his farm, however. He enjoyed gardening and had been tending to a patch of flowers that he thought would wilt away by the end of the week. He felt helpless.

The fourth morning, the farmer remained at home to tend to the flowers that he had planted outside of his front windows. Turning away from the potted flowers, he caught a glimpse of one of the children on the roof of his house. They appeared to be swept away by the light breeze that had come that morning. He looked to the field that he crossed the previous three days and saw many a faint glow in the fog. They seemed to be busy with something. It was too hard to tell, and perhaps not even possible to ask. When the farmer went home and settled for the night, closing all of his windows and shuttering them from the moonlight.

Unbeknownst to him, the fog followed him home like a cat sneaking up on its prey. Around his house, the fog settled. Around his house, the children began to toil away at the land. Breathing new life into all that grew around it. The flowers would bloom brightly, the trees would become stronger, and the grass was set to never die in the day's hot sun. Soon, the fog crept away in the same way it had arrived.

Upon awaking to the fifth morning, the farmer woke, at his breakfast and prepared himself for another day of hard work. A daily regimen of planting, harvesting, pruning, and weeding out his land. When he arrived at his farm, he saw everything was in full bloom. Crops that he had planted the day before had sprung into life, bearing fruits and vegetables alike. The garden he was working on so hard grew mighty and all the flowers surged with vivid color. The farmer sat down and wept. Not out of sadness, grief, or anger; but out of happiness and joy.

He looked to the fog that lingered in the field and wandered over to it. Standing at its edge, he whispered a thank you. Dozens of eye lit up in the fog and despite the figures being relatively faceless, he felt that they were smiling back at him. Then, one by one, the eyes closed and the fog slowly began to lift from the ground and drift into the sky. The old farmer wished only that he could give something in return, but perhaps he already has.

Where the center of the fog was, there sat a single potted flower. Gold in color, stem and leaves like a tiger lily. Gilded Lily, a flower said to renew entire gardens and bring good luck. For the rest of the farmer's life, everything he planted and grew and tended to, bloomed into great health and brought joy into his world. Even after he had passed away, the Gilded Lily sat in the back garden of his home and was in full bloom year round. Even when snow or heavy rain would weigh it down. The land would be passed on to multiple generations of his family who would continue to do what he did his whole life.

They say the farm and the fog still exist today, where they could be is quite unknown. Same say to look for the ghost of the farmer said to be leading the fog to its next destination. Others say to watch for fog that seems impenetrable, or moves oddly around fields and hills that have rivers coursing through them. A lake would even suffice.

It was there that the legend ended. Twilight had finished eating her breakfast by the end of it. Pinkie had done the same, but she ate it all in almost one fell swoop. Much quicker than some one who took their time. Pinkie asked what Twilight was reading, Twilight answered dutifully. Saying exactly what the book said on its cover. Pinkie asked which tale; Twilight in a way, repeated her answer, but with the legend she'd just finished.

Pinkie then went on to comment about venturing into fog earlier that morning. She described the butterfly that she saw and the actions that it made. As well as the actions that she made watching the insect. After that, her tone of voice turned into questioning, stating that she felt as if she was being watched after leaving the fog. When she turned to look back, she saw nothing there. She shrugged off the feeling and hopping her way down to the castle up to the point where she greeted Twilight. They both took a look to that field, but the fog had long since vanished.

Morning 2

Pinkie again, woke up to meet the sun as it barely left the horizon. The fog hung low and nearly blanketed the entire village. Pinkie wandered around with a spring in her step, carrying with her supplies for a surprise picnic she was having later that afternoon. It was for a pony's birthday, one who sold products for the Cakes to cook with. They had a lot to thank the old stallion for and have periodically given him some of their confectioneries in return.

It was during her trek through the thicker part of the fog that she had to stop and squint her eyes to see any further in the fog. Vaguely, she could make out familiar shapes moving around, but something was off about them. They moved stiffly and their legs appeared to poof into smoke with every step. Then one looked in her direction, revealing ghostly white eyes that pierced through the veil of fog. Stunned, Pinkie couldn't help but stare back and wonder what the figure wanted from her. Soon the figure stopped staring at her and approached with closed eyes without a word. It walked around her, still cloaked in fog, leaving its full figure undefined and mysterious. Then it slinked away into the fog, without shifting a single blade of grass.

Perturbed, Pinkie rushed toward the direction she thought Twilight's castle was in. Her instinct would treat her right because soon, she started to see the faint shimmer of the sun bounce off of the brilliant crystal castle. She found the main entrance and let herself inside, closing the door behind her. Leaving the basket of goodies on the her chair at the map table, Pinkie moved on to find Twilight to explain to her what had happened. She went to her room to find Twilight wasn't there but her covers tossed aside. The only other place she could be this early was the library, eating breakfast there like she always has.

That's exactly where she found her. She had a different book this time, a different breakfast as well. Twilight greeted Pinkie with a tired hello and mentioned the heavy fog that blanketed all of Ponyville. Pinkie began to tell her about the fog creature that circled around her earlier. It wasn't scary, as she internally sang her favorite little song about giggling at ghosts. Pinkie went on to describe the glowing eyes and how the creature moved about. How it seemed to melt into the fog and become one with it.

Twilight said that legends usually have some sort of basis in reality. However, they're usually greatly exaggerated, but in a world of magic where just about anything is possible. For the fog from the legend to show up here is a mystery. Perhaps there was something they wanted to do with Pinkie. What it could be was also a mystery. Twilight asked if Pinkie had been struggling with anything recently. Pinkie answered that she barely struggles with anything, aside from keeping spectacular secrets. Like the time Shining Armor told her that Cadance was pregnant.

Twilight laughed about that, recalling how she felt when she first learned she was going to be an aunt. Aside from that, she had been looking into other books that may have stories about the fog in them, but it was relatively difficult to find anything at all. Perhaps delving into other supernatural books might have something on the matter. It would take some to find anything, if there was.

Pinkie decided to hop out of the castle, leaving Twilight to her research. Upon exiting the castle, she saw that the sky was dark and gray. She thought that maybe it was the fog lifting up and moving on from Ponyville. So that it may settle down elsewhere. Still, she wondered what it was doing here, of all places. As Pinkie descended the steps and stepped onto the grass, she began to hear the whispers of voices strange and haunting. Their words were muddled and skewed. As quick as the voices came, they left.

When she looked around, she saw a small white orb of light, floating around like a firefly. It blinked like one too. When she approached, a series of other lights fired up, signaling her to follow them. Pinkie, letting her curiosity get the better of her, decided to follow the lights. What she came upon at the end of these lights, was a beautiful pegasus. Her coat a pale purple with her wings taking on a darker shade on the outer half of her wings. Her mane and tail, like the fog itself, appeared to be boundless and unending. It was a dull white but a hint of green kept it from appearing like proper fog should. Pinkie admired her eyes as she approached, clearing the flog out from around her. Like the rest of her, her eyes were a dull yellow, but they appeared brighter than anything else. Perhaps it was accentuated by the dark, pale, purple eye shadow she had as well.

Pinkie began to notice the dozens of glowing eyes surrounding them, how they closed one by one and lowered as they did so. All of them varied in height and size and Pinkie began to wonder how they came to be and how many there truly were. Then the tall mare spoke, regally and softly. “Pinkie, you're here now because we see you bring great joy to many. We, regrettably, have very little experience in this matter.”

“Why's that?” Pinkie asked, dismayed by such a travesty.

“Although we have lived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. All most of us have ever known is our work. I, myself, have forgotten the feeling. Even now, the only moment of joy I can remember was my last birthday before discovering my true purpose in life.” She looked away from Pinkie and closed her eyes, quickly recalling the memory. Looking back at Pinkie, she continued speaking, eyes forelorned, “Pinkie, as the Element of Laughter, we ask of you to teach us what it means to feel joy once again.”

Pinkie thought quickly, mentally shifting around her schedule to see what she could and could not do. In two days time, she was free to do whatever she wanted to for that day. Cheerfully, Pinkie answered, “Sure. Just, um, could you tone down the amount of fog you've got going on here?”

“Certainly.” The pegasus answered. “We will be rewarding you appropriately, of course.”

“Is there anything specific you all would like? Doesn't seem like cake would be at the top of the list.” Pinkie questioned humorously.

The mare laughed softly which reminded her of Fluttershy's short and soft giggles. “Cake is desirable, but I'd be the only one able to eat it. My children are like ghosts; lost and forever wandering. As such, we travel throughout the world, helping out effortlessly with small things that can make a world of difference. We ensure the fog rises in the morning, despite what some may think. The sunrise is always a familiar and comforting site to us.”

She paused, recalling another memory. “You remember the story Twilight told you earlier, correct?” Pinkie nodded. “We gifted him that golden lily and it remains there to this day, giving life to its surroundings year round. We shall gift you one as well.”

“Why's that?”

“Simply our appreciation, is all.” the mare smiled. “I suppose I should give you my name, at least; it is Morning Fog. Should make it more... official should the need to know arise.”

“Of course, Miss Morning! I'll certainly remember that and in two days I'll have everything ready for all of you.”

“Thank you. I'll clear up the fog a bit for your lunch with your companion, don't worry.” She closed her eyes and let the fog close in around her. Eventually, the fog began to crawl away from Pinkie and settled into a bowl created by a grouping of hills.

Pinkie carried on with the rest of her day, brimming with thoughts about what to do about the party she would throw for Miss Fog and her subjects. What confetti would she use, what would she make to eat, how would she teach them joy? Perhaps by teaching Morning, her subjects would understand it as well. Even after having the appreciation picnic with the old stallion and tucking herself in for the night, she continued thinking about it.

Morning 3

Yet again, the morning was greeted by a thick blanket of fog. Pinkie arose, just as she always did. This time, instead of heading out for a walk, she decided to eat breakfast at her home with the Cake family. She cooked a stack of blueberry pancakes and made sure that the milk they had in the fridge wasn't expired. Two glasses she would mix with chocolate, one with strawberry and banana, and the remaining two she would leave plain. The smell of the pancakes attracted the Cake family to the kitchen. They ate, talked about strange dreams they had that night, and laughed at the silliness that some of the dreams had.

There was a point in the conversation, where Pinkie remained silent and simply looked on at her extended family, enjoying the fact that they were happy. Which in turn, made her happy as well. It was then she stared out the window, faintly seeing a pair of glowing white eyes. When she blinked, unsure of what she saw, they were gone. She couldn't help feel that she was being watched. Perhaps Miss Fog didn't trust her. Perhaps it was a subject, simply sent to observe to try and see what joy looks like. Why would she not see for herself?

Pinkie called back into the conversation by Mrs Cake, quickly eliminated the question from her mind and thought about the day she had planned. It wasn't too long that Pinkie finished her breakfast and headed out for the day. Upon opening the front door, she was greeted once again, by the warm blanket of fog. The sun made it shine brilliantly in some places, as if the fog was trapping the rays of light into little pockets of warmth. She marched on, heading to Twilight's castle. She arrived to find Twilight in the library, as usual, looking through a multitude of books.

Pinkie spoke up, telling Twilight about her meeting with Morning Fog. Despite the slight confusion with the name, Twilight was quick to understand what Pinkie meant by it. This sparked a new idea, instead of looking for legends about the fog, Twilight focused on looking for any sort of reference to that singular name. However, knowing where she was born and when she was born would be of great benefit, narrowing things down to birth records and ledgers made from the time period. In short, it would still take some time to figure it out. Could take days, could take months.

Pinkie then asked about books about joy. How it's explained, maybe through a simple fairy tale. She knew a dictionary definition just wouldn't do. It's too stiff and vague. Pinkie went on, listing more thoughts about how to express joy. A photo album of fun times with the family, small moments that lighten the mood, sweet foods that make you happy. Twilight added that happiness, joy, and laughter, often go hand in hand. Any of those mentions could be used to show joy. Portraying, or teaching, an emotion can be difficult, as those feelings often come naturally and by imitation of others who are feeling the same way in their surroundings.

Pinkie thought about Twilight's words, rummaged them around and compared them to memories in her head. Specific events, both large and small, where ponies felt happiness and joy. There was one memory that was both sad and joyful. It was when she had moved away from her parents home and into Ponyville for the first time. Her parents were glad that she was going for something bigger in life, but sad at the same time because she wouldn't be around. Had she never moved out, she wouldn't be where she was today. The feeling lingered bittersweet.

Her thoughts quickly changed when she came across the Cake family walking together. Pound and Pumpkin Cake were both walking pretty well on their own. The twins seemed... aware of what they were doing and calmed down with their antics of flying around and using random spells to get around. Pinkie was happy and joyful. She celebrated by hugging the twins and letting a tear shed from her eyes. Mr and Mrs Cake were both happy about it too, it meant that their kids would be somewhat easier to keep an eye on. Pinkie agreed.

They went separate ways from there. Pinkie thought of Morning Fog on her way back to the bakery, pondering what she could make her. What activities she could present her with. What gifts she could give. Thing was, it wasn't her birthday. It was confounding, to try and make a cake that wasn't celebrating anything in particular. Perhaps she didn't need to make a cake at all. Perhaps she just needed to show Morning what joy meant. What happiness joy could bring and how it can make the heart flutter with sweetness. Food, enjoying a hobby, and experiencing new things could do that. It wasn't a feeling that you could force. No feeling is, really. If it was, it only ruined the authenticity of it. Pinkie decided to instead, bring nothing but herself, and her wits. Maybe an instrument, for extra effect.

Morning 4

The fourth morning, sunshine once more. Pinkie awoke, feeling as if something was watching her from outside her bedroom window. She stared outside before opening it and peering around. There was a difference this morning, compared to the others; the fog had receded. Condensed itself to a single area. It sat motionless on a hilltop just outside of the ville and vaguely, she could make out Morning's figure in the center of it all. Closing the window, Pinkie stretched her legs and back and neck. Made sure her mane and tail were in the perfect cotton candy shape. Made small jokes in the mirror for practice, testing how effective they would be.

Feeling ready for the day, Pinkie strutted out her door and out of the bakery. Making her way toward the hill, Twilight met her halfway. It was unexpected, but Pinkie didn't mind. Twilight found more information on Morning Fog. An anthology of journal entries that revolved around sightings and and interactions with her. There was one thing that stuck out amongst all of them: emotions. Morning Fog was always trying to capture feeling to teach her children. They always seemed to state that her reason was that she had forgotten how those feelings felt.

Twilight added that the golden lilies that Morning Fog gave out did exactly what was described in the first story she read. Good luck would be abound for Pinkie, but she questioned why she would give it to Pinkie in the first place. Furthermore, she never recalled the anthology of journals being in her library before. Perhaps Morning Fog was calling out to Twilight as well, only in a more subtle way. What if it was all a trap? Was there some other purpose? Twilight's mind rattled with questions and hypotheticals.

Pinkie asked Twilight to come with her, saying that it might be easier to find out if she simply came along. So she did and the two ventured into the thick fog that cloaked the tree line on the hill.

Entering the fog was strange. It was warm and cold at the same time, but it was also wet. Pinkie lead Twilight to the center of the fog, the peak of the hill where Morning Fog sat patiently, waiting, expecting. “Ah, so you both came. Good.”

“Both? I thought you wanted just me.” Pinkie answered with slight confusion.

“Joy is good to express with friends that are close to you, is it not?” Pinkie nodded. “Laughter, kindness, and friendship. These are three things that can bring joy. There are other things that can bring joy: a good story, growth, and dedication.” Morning Fog brought a hoof to her heart, lowered her head and continued, “All of these were things that we've forgotten – that I've forgotten, after hundreds of years of living. I'm sure you remember that, Pinkie.”

Morning raised her her head and looked at Twilight, “Twilight, you've read various tales I've left for you in the books I snuck into your library. I have slowly been collecting those emotions I've asked for all to create the golden lilies that I've left behind. Magic, as you know, is strongly influenced by emotion and thought.” Twilight nodded in agreement. “It was all to create the golden lilies. These Children of the Fog you see around you.” She paused, letting the eyes of her children open with their bright and glowing eyes. Twilight and Pinkie both glanced around, then to each other, then looked back at Morning. “They're collections of the emotions I've gathered and this fog is how it has manifested. I'm not really sure why they have eyes and their behavior reminds me of children curiously exploring. They... seem to talk to me as well. It's strange and yet, comforting at the same time.”

Morning Fog changed the topic. She asked what Pinkie had learned about joy. Pinkie described to her memories that made her feel the most joyful. Described moments that made her happy. Even moments that were, bittersweet. When sadness met with happiness, hand in hand. She shared a the story when her and Twilight first met and the party that she threw for her. Twilight shared in her story there, pointing out moments that were big points in the party. Even if it was slightly embarrassing. Pinkie even told a couple of good puns, which Morning Fog smiled at. She didn't seem to laugh easily but it was clear she understood the joke.

Twilight then told a story of her own that brought her joy. When she began to teach Starlight Glimmer her friendship lessons after getting trapped up in her own time traveling spell. Other incidents involved small things, like organizing her books, reading fantastic tales of adventures in far away lands. She told of several events where she and all of her friends helped out the Yaks after an avalanche. Something that made everyone happy in the long run. Even though Pinkie had trouble trying to figure out what to do, the problem was eventually solved. Morning Fog was intrigued and asked Twilight to tell another story if she didn't mind. Pinkie suggested the day when they found out Princess Cadance was pregnant with Shining's baby. Twilight gladly told that story, recalling how happy she was to her that she was going to be an aunt. She also told the story of the first time she had to babysit her and the lesson she had learned about babysitting Flurry Heart.

Twilight then asked if Morning Fog if she had any memories that she cherished. Morning Fog sat a moment, recalling her memories. “I suppose it was when I first learned how to make the golden lilies. My mother had one planted in the garden, but I never saw it. One day, she taught me how to make my own. These lilies weren't flowers you could just plant, they had to be created. Crafted from from emotions straight from the heart.” Morning's face turned blank, passive, unreadable. “My mother created one for me. I named it, nurtured it, kept it in a vase on my desk. I was so happy at the time.” She sighed longingly, “I hadn't noticed the changes in my mother at first, but as time went on, I found out why she changed so much. Why she seemed like a shell of her former self for the longest time. When one creates a golden lily, it takes away all and any emotion the caster uses to create it.”

Twilight interjected, concern washing over, “That's just like changeling magic. Only, they used to feed on love, not every emotion.”

“I know. I found this out when I had created my own for a farmer who had cared for not only his crops, but a number of small gardens as well. It was also then, that I discovered doing so eliminated the fog.” Morning replied.

“You're still going to give us both lilies despite what's going to happen to you?” Pinkie asked, her ears drooped.

“Yes.”

“You can't stay?” Pinkie asked, all puppy-eyed.

“I cannot. I have a feeling that I am needed elsewhere soon. I'll be sure to visit.” Morning spread her wings, straightened up her back, and closed her eyes.

The fog shifted, crawling towards a small orb of light that began to form just in front of her muzzle. Slowly, the fog began to go from a slight breeze, to a strong wind that could knock over Pinkie and Twilight. The light became blindingly bright as more fog collapsed into the orb. Twilight and Pinkie both covered their eyes as their manes fluttered with the gusting wind. A few moments later, the light began to dim, the wind stopped. Twilight and Pinkie both opened their eyes to see the fog had cleared and before their front hooves, sat two golden lilies. They looked up to see Morning Fog barely visible.

“Morning... are... are you okay?” Twilight worriedly asked.

“That... took a bit more out of me than I thought it did.” Morning's face was like stone, remaining unchanged at the dark humor. “I'm sure I'll be fine, it'll just take some time.”

Pinkie added to the joke, “If you vanish, you'll be mist.”

It was a few moments of silence before Morning Fog snickered. Some remnant of emotion remained. When she stopped, she became slightly more visible. “Take those lilies, you two. Plant them, water them, and make sure they get plenty of light. They'll bring about good luck for years to come. Whether it be large or small and they will only effect a certain area.”

“Are you sure about this?” Twilight asked. Morning nodded. “Thank you.”

Pinkie followed up, “Thank you, Morning. Be sure to come back and visit again!”

“I promise.” Morning replied. “And now, I must go to other places.”

Morning then began to walk away, wandering toward the mountains to the west. Twilight and Pinkie looked at each other and didn't speak another word for the next few minutes. They went back to the castle, wordlessly. They contemplated what to do with their lilies.

Morning 5

The fifth morning, Pinkie went shopping. Looking for a vase that would suit the lily. She came across a flower vase that was a dark and pale purple. Its surface pristine and polished with no designs plastered across its typical shape. She bought the vase and dug up some dirt from behind the bakery and stuck it in the vase. Then she brought the vase up to her room and planted the lily in the vase. Instantly, the atmosphere in her room felt lighter and the color of everything inside of it seemed to brighten up. Pinkie smiled, feeling delighted about the changes, despite how subtle they were. She left her room and headed to Twilight's.

When she entered the castle's library, she saw Twilight going through her books. Pinkie asked what she was looking for, Twilight told her that she was looking for the book she had found the day before. She wanted to study the anthology more. Pinkie told Twilight to plant the lily that Morning had given her. Twilight did so, and when she sat the vase down on the center table. When she did, the books began to move and organize themselves. Two books remained untouched, Twilight walked over to the books and saw they were the ones that she was looking for. She cheered and quickly flipped through the pages of the books with her magic. She wondered why the books seemed to be so misplaced.

Pinkie suggested that Twilight may have just buried them under the other books sometime during the night before. Twilight tiredly agreed with Pinkie, realizing that there wasn't a big need to fuss over the misplacement. Pinkie and Twilight went on to eat breakfast at the local cafe instead of eating at the castle for the day. While they ate, they talked about Morning, curious on whether or not there was anything they could do fix the issue with the fog and her emotions. Twilight theorized several possibilities, but she couldn't put the theories to the test without everything that would be required. The real mystery was how she would even test it in the first place. The magic was something she didn't quite understand. Pinkie made a counterpoint to all of her thoughts, saying that maybe there was nothing she needed to do.

Twilight sighed, clearing her thoughts. “Thanks, Pinkie.” She looked at Pinkie, recalling how she always seemed to tell her that she's thinking to hard about something.

Pinkie looked away, toward the mountains that Morning Fog walked to. “I wonder how long it'll be before she comes back.”

“Well, if her fog starts blanketing the entirety of Ponyville again, we'll know.”